Which safeties were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft? Which teams drafted those safeties, and how does the 2023 class compare to previous years?
Which Safeties Were Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Let’s take a look at the safeties drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Brian Branch, Alabama | Detroit Lions
Round 2, Pick 45
The devaluing of the safety position was on full display in last year’s draft. Brian Branch was the first one taken in the middle of the second round.
Branch immediately proved worthy of the Lions’ decision to trade up to get him. He recorded 74 combined tackles, adding three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Branch was good that he captured some Defensive Rookie of the Year votes, finishing fifth in the process.
Quan Martin, Illinois | Washington Commanders
Round 2, Pick 47
For the majority of the season, Quan Martin was mostly a special teamer. He didn’t crest a 50% defensive snap share until Week 12. That resulted in a season where he managed just 46 combined tackles and one sack.
With that said, Martin did have some quality performances down the stretch. There is the potential for him to start in 2024 and emerge as a reliable NFL defensive back.
Round 3-7
3) Sydney Brown, Illinois
R3-P66 | Eagles
4) Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
R3-P87 | 49ers
5) Jordan Battle, Alabama
R3-P95 | Bengals
6) Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
R4-P119 | Chiefs
7) Jay Ward, LSU
R4-P134 | Vikings
8) Jammie Robinson, Florida State
R5-P145 | Panthers
9) Jordan Howden, Minnesota
R5-P146 | Saints
10) Daniel Scott, California
R5-P158 | Colts
11) Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
R5-P160 | Jaguars
12) Christopher Smith, Georgia
R5-P170 | Raiders
13) JL Skinner, Boise State
R6-P183 | Broncos
14) Jerrick Reed II, New Mexico
R6-P198 | Seahawks
15) Erick Hallett II, Pittsburgh
R6-P208 | Jaguars
16) Tre Hawkins, Old Dominion
R6-P209 | Giants
17) DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
R7-P224 | Falcons
18) Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State
R7-P234 | Rams
19) Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State
R7-P242 | Packers
20) Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh
R7-P248 | Texans
21) Gervarrius Owens, Houston
R7-P254 | Giants
22) Kendall Williamson, Stanford
R7-P258 | Bears
How Many Safeties Were Drafted in 2023?
It’s highly unusual for a safety not to be selected in the NFL Draft’s first round. But that’s exactly what happened last year. When combined with cornerbacks, a total of 59 DBs were selected. That’s tied for the most since 2013.
KEEP READING: Cornerbacks Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft
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